Funding might be approved for the renovation of Watson Creek, which runs through NIU’s campus, to help stop spring floods resulting from excessive rainfall and melting snow.

The Illinois Board of Higher Education approved $613,700 for the project, but the funds still have to be approved by the Board of Regents and the Illinois General Assembly before work can begin.

Eddie Williams, vice president of finance and planning, said it is unlikely NIU will get the money. “We would have to be very lucky.”

Williams said funds for roof repairs and asbestos removal at the University Health Service is a higher priority than the Watson Creek proposal.

Watson Creek has had serious flooding problems in the past. When the water level is high, “The Watson Creek drains into the east lagoon and that drains into the Kishwaukee River,” said John Harrod, physical plant director. “If the Kishwaukee River is flooding, that causes a back up in the lagoon which causes a back up in Watson Creek.

“Some of the storm sewers (around campus) drain into Watson Creek,” Harrod said. These sewers allow for run-off that accumulates in the east lagoon.

“The consulting firm of Donahue and Associates has worked with the City of DeKalb in identifying certain areas in the community that may need some attention,” Harrod said.

The consulting firm will prepare a survey outlining possible remedies to the flooding and submit it to the city. City officials would present this information to the NIU administration, and the university would be responsible for the modifications.

Lucinda Avenue has been the worst spot for flooding in the past. Excess water and debris running through the culverts under Lucinda have caused the pipes to become plugged, Harrod said. The water also has overflowed into the parking lot of the Chick Evans Field House.

If the proposed plan for flooding prevention is approved, Lucinda would have to be torn up, Harrod said. Repair crews also would try to widen the streets and resurface the roads after the pipes are repaired.